A survey of connected car owners has found that, despite their assumed image as early adopters of technology, they aren’t particularly interested in handing over driving duties to self-driving cars.

While advancements in autonomous vehicle technologies are incredibly exciting, it’s important to keep an understanding of the consumer front and center.

— Shawn McAllister, Solace

According to the research from Solace, a provider of data movement technology for connected vehicles, more than half of those questioned (57%) said they would not buy a self-driving car, even if cost was no issue.

Trust in automated driving technologies was also an issue for respondents. Despite almost two-thirds of drivers questioned (62%) believing they drive more safely in connected cars, 40% of respondents wouldn’t trust their connected car to brake for them, found the research. In addition, fewer than one in ten of those surveyed (9%) claimed to always trust their connected car.

The research also found that younger drivers are more hesitant about handing over control of their car than older generations. Almost half of those surveyed (46%) aged between 18-25 said they would not trust their car to react automatically to driving conditions, while only a third of drivers aged 65 or above felt the same way.

“The automotive industry is focused on bringing self-driving cars to the mass market, but our survey showed that connected car drivers of all ages just aren’t ready to hand over the wheel,” said Shawn McAllister, CTO of Solace.

“While advancements in autonomous vehicle technologies are incredibly exciting, it’s important to keep an understanding of the consumer front and center.”

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